Katunayake attack threat to economy-JVP

Tiger terrorists possessing the ability to launch attacks using light aircraft is a threat to the country's economy, says JVP Propaganda Secretary and Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa. He told the Sunday Times FT that some foreign powers may impose travel restrictions and insurance underwriters might be compelled to impose war risk surcharge on ships operating through Colombo port by using this situation to their advantage.

"These 'imperialist under writers' will extend the war risk cover to the aviation sector as well," he said adding that the JVP was urging the government to tackle the present crisis carefully as the cost of living may also skyrocket if the country's economy is hit by the imposition of such insurance charges like in the previous LTTE attack on the air port and Air Force base at Katunayake in 2001 where underwriters imposed a heavy war risk surcharge.

Weerawansa said the government should devise a programme to increase the foreign exchange earnings of Sri Lankans working overseas without depending on foreign exchange earners like tourism. The firebrand politician will also make a rare foray into economics and the country's elite business community when he speaks on "Maintaining the Balance of Peace Building and Economic Growth" on April 19 at the Business for Peace (BPA) Forum organised by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL).